How does dress hunting work?

ginadog

When looking for bridal shops to visit in person, they usually have a website, right?  The website will show which brands of dresses they sell or can order. 

If I'm looking for a a dress under $400, I kind of need to know the price range for those designers.  Right now I've been googling, kind of time cosuming.

Basically I just want to know if it's even worth visiting particular shops or not.  I have seen only one website so far that put right on front page "Our dresses are $2000-6000."  Then I know not to go there!  Simple!

Is this how you do it? 
Or just call up every place and ask if they have dresses in that range first?
Are there no name brands?

Not sure if it's the most effcient way!

ginadog

Shen I go in there with photos of dresses I like, it doesn't have to be the brands that they offer?

I'm going to Portland for the holidays and might go dress shopping.  I am trying to weed out the numerous shops they have there (and I posted on their forum).

meganb1977

Ditto MilkDuds.  You will be fine if you call ahead of time to verify what their price range is and you can show them pictures of more expensive dresses and explain features that you like for them to try to help you find something similar within your budget.  I would definitely recommend sample sales or David's Bridal for gowns at your price point.

ginadog

Here is a summary of all the brands The Knot lists as $ (600 or less). I've been  looking at these websites as well.

Venus Informal

David's Bridal

Alfred Angelo

Jordan Moments

Nicole Miller

DaVinci Bridal

Eden Bridals

Group USA & Camille La Vie

Sincerity Bridal

Jcrew

Dere Kiang

White by Ver Wang

Tony Bowls Bridal for Mon Cheri

Venus - Angel & Tradition

Moonlight Tango Informaly Yours

Destinations by Mon Cheri

Impression Bridal

Voyage by Madeline Gardner

Ella Rosa

Bonny Bridal

Wtoo Bridals

BHLDN

Aria

blgrout

If you are definitely sticking to a particular price range, David's Bridal has a really useful website, plus you can save your "favorites" that they can pull up at the store when you go in for your appointment, so they know what styles you like, price range, etc.

rlavach

Like the PP mentioned, print out pics of some of the styles you want to see & then bring them in. Definitely call ahead to see if they have gowns in that price range. I printed out a few that TK said were in my range & they were all too expensive when I got to the store. They showed me comparable gowns in my price range & I found the ONE. Don't overthink it.

Maggie0829

Call ahead to see if they have gowns in your price range.  Take some pictures of dresses that you like (style, shape, details, etc) to show the consultant so she knows what you are looking for.  Definitely make sure to let your consultant know your price range before you try anything on...you don't want to fall in love with a dress you can't afford.  Finally, keep an open mind.  What you think you like you may hate after you try it on so try styles on that you never even considered because you just never know.

ElisabethJoanne

While I agree with PPs, in my area, finding the salons was a chore. It was strange. They didn't all show up on yelp. They aren't all in the phone book. It's like you need a referral just to figure out the name of the salon, then you can google for an address, phone number, and web site.

Grits8812

I learned the hard way (after driving an hour to get there) that the store's website can very easily be innacurate.  There was one dress i was convinced on getting by the picture, couldnt find it anywhere, and 3 stores in my town said they had it.  None of them even carried that designer.

I would just look up stores in the phonebook and call and ask them what designers they carry, the price ranges, what styles are in your price range, etc. to get a good idea of if its even worth going.

Good luck!

skantrowitz

I called several stores that had good ratings in my area, and point blank said, "My budget is X, will I have very many options at your store?" With that budget, don't get attached to any designer, but pick out pictures of features of dresses you like and bring them in. A good store will help you find something within your budget.

KH 2012

call ahead then bring in pics of what you want and let the consultant do the work